Russian Energy-Minister Chairs Meeting of the Russia–Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission
Moscow – 11 November 2026 (MT Team) : In the run-up to the 11th session of the Russia–Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation (IGC), scheduled to take place in Moscow on November 25, 2026, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev chaired a meeting of the Russian side of the Commission. The IGC is co-chaired by Sergey Tsivilev and Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Power Awais Leghari.
“We expect the upcoming session to consolidate the results achieved, identify new areas for growth and provide additional momentum to the development of joint projects,” the Russian Energy Minister emphasized.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Russian federal executive authorities and companies.
Key areas of discussion included:
Preparations of bilateral documents and the implementation of promising joint projects. More than 10 cooperation agreements covering various sectors are at the final stage of preparation for signing.
Potential cooperation in improving energy efficiency, deploying energy storage systems, supplying Russian energy resources, constructing new hydropower plants and modernizing existing facilities, as well as protecting energy infrastructure against cyber threats.
Developing maritime shipping and expanding cooperation within the International North–South Transport Corridor remain promising areas of bilateral engagement.
Prospects for industrial cooperation were discussed, including the revival of the Karachi Steel Mills. The two sides also explored opportunities to expand cooperation in healthcare, including the potential launch of projects to localize Russian insulin production in Pakistan.
In 2026, a research group was established to explore the possibility of concluding a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Pakistan. Both sides intend to continue working in this area.
Russian exports of finished agricultural products to Pakistan continue to grow, while bilateral trade in the agricultural sector increased by 17%. Promising areas include expanding cooperation in mineral fertilizers, developing crop breeding, and strengthening scientific and technological ties. The possibility of supplying veterinary vaccines is also under consideration.
In the 2025–2026 academic year, around 1,400 Pakistani citizens enrolled at Russian educational institutions – twice as many as in 2023. The two sides are working on draft intergovernmental agreements on education, including the mutual recognition of academic qualifications and credentials. An Open Education Center operates in Islamabad, offering Russian-language courses, while the Russian Teacher Abroad program is also being developed.
In January 2026, representatives of Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) took part in joint comprehensive exercises on responding to emergencies, including forest fires, avalanches and heavy snowfall.
Russia and Pakistan have a long-standing tradition of cooperation in disaster prevention and emergency response. In 2005, Russian rescue teams played an important role in relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Pakistan.
The meeting also highlighted considerable potential for expanding cultural ties between the two countries.
“Our task is to ensure the practical implementation of promising areas of Russian–Pakistani cooperation and prepare concrete proposals for the upcoming session of the Commission,” Sergey Tsivilev concluded.
